Smart Ways in Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Even if you are eco-conscious, you may not know that there are little things you can do in your own home in reducing your carbon footprint.
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When you look at the big environmental photo, it can look frightening.
Reducing your carbon footprint at home
It’s highly attractive to presume there’s absolutely nothing you can do to make any difference. However even the smallest things are cumulative, and it all begins with the individual. In other words, you can help to make a difference.
Below are some smart methods in reducing your carbon footprint at home.
Turn things off
Did your moms and dads ever nag you about throwing the switch on your bedroom light when you just weren’t in it?
They were right! Now it’s about your entire home – if you’re not using the room, shut off the lights. Even if you are in the room, make use of natural light as much as possible. For times when you want electric lighting, consider LEDs (light producing diodes) or CFLs (compact fluorescent lights).
Computer systems
Computers can take a long time to boot up, so it is tempting to leave them on or on standby mode. However, please give your self the extra time necessary to boot up, and also switch off the computer when it’s not in use.
This will not just reduce your power costs and minimize your carbon footprint, but it will reduce your machine’s vulnerability to viruses, spyware, and other invaders. A win-win situation!
Energy-efficient devices
If you have actually ever considered getting a new refrigerator, stove, washer or dryer, now is the time.
Benefit from existing tax rebates and update your cooking area with Energy-star appliances.
If you cannot change your existing equipment, try to find methods to reduce their use. For instance, do not hold the refrigerator door open, and hang up your clothes instead of running the clothes dryer. Just run the washer when the load is full, and make use of cold water. The same applies to the dishwasher – just run it when it is full with dishes, and shut off heat drying.
In the bathroom, low-flow commodes and faucets can conserve water. Faucets are cost-effective to change, but a commode can be a big task – if you cannot afford to replace your current commode, you can do the brick-in-the-tank trick.
The brick displaces the water, which reduces the amount of water needed to fill the tank.
Furniture
Select furniture made from sustainable timber and that haven’t been treated with chemicals.
If you are doing some restorations, purchase lumber that is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The FSC’s “seal” assures that the wood was cut from trees grown by truly sustainable methods.
Heating and cooling
Make an effort to cut back on your air conditioning and heating use. Turn the thermostat down in the winter season and up in the summer season, utilizing electric fans as much as possible in lieu of air conditioning.
In the winter season, wear warmer clothes: wool sweaters and socks even while indoors, it is actually very comfortable.
Rain water
A rain barrel is a great means to lower your use of treated, municipal water.
Use it to water plants, wash your vehicle, and even clean your pets (note that rain water should not be utilized as drinking water for individuals or domestic animals).
Recycle
This is a rather obvious means to decrease waste, but it bears repeating.
Recycling is about more than sending stacks of newspapers and plastic bottles off to the reusing facility.
You can recycle home products into things you use in everyday life, and compost your kitchen area scraps.
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